Richard Beeson, 75, of Wagner

Funeral Mass will be 11 am Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at St. John Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner on Tuesday from 1 pm to 5 pm, followed by a 7:30 pm Rosary/Wake at the church.

Richard Jerome Beeson was born November 5, 1933 at Wagner, South Dakota, the son of Raymond Sr. and Grace (Sell) Beeson. He died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Richard attained the age of 75 years, 11 months and 26 days.

Richard attended country school through the eighth grade south of Dante. He served his country in the military during the Korean Conflict.

Richard married Darleen Houska on July 27, 1959 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Dante. Richard and Darleen purchased six cows and began a dairy south of Dante. The dairy operation has since moved south of Wagner and grown in size. The sons have taken over the dairy. Richard loved John Deere tractors and became a collector of John Deere items. He enjoyed feeding cattle and spending time with his dogs.

Richard was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Wagner, American Legion Greer Post #11, Pheasants Forever and the NRA.

Richard will be remembered for his love for his wife, Darleen and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and teaching his family how to operate and respect a gun. He also enjoyed going to gun shows. Richard's family will remember his sense of humor and quick wit, as well as his love for his cows and dogs.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Darleen of Wagner, nine children: Diane Hahne of Faith; Dennis Beeson of Wagner; Rod and wife Barb Beeson of Dante; Jo Lynn and husband Travis Williby of Colby, KS; Pattie and husband Jerry Middendorp of Fargo, ND; Ileen Beeson of Wagner; Sandra "Sam" and husband Dick Moser of Lennox; Chuck Beeson and L.J. Beeson, both of Wagner; 16 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; five brothers: Tom and Delbert Beeson, both of Wagner; Bob and wife Donna Beeson of Sequim, WA; Larry and wife Sylvia Beeson of Wagner; and Francis and wife JoAnn Beeson of Dante; two sisters: Irene and husband Jim Mullen of Carrollton, TX and Clara and husband Dick Kafka of Wagner; brother-in-law, Dale Schmuck of Rapid City; sister-in-law Bev Beeson of Wagner; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Raymond, Jr. and Ronald Beeson; and a sister, Ann Schmuck.